Pharmaceutical compositions for intraocular administration and methods for fabricating thereof

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical compositions for intraocular injection are described, the compositions consisting essentially of a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-bacterial agent (such as moxifloxacin), a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-inflammatory agent (such as triamcinolone), at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for fabricating the compositions and using them for intraocular injections are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/629,173 filed on Feb. 23, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/227,819 filed on Mar. 27, 2014, entitled “Pharmaceutical Compositions for Intraocular Administration and Methods for Fabricating Thereof,” which in turn claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/958,170 filed on Jul. 22, 2013, entitled “Pharmaceutical Compositions for Intraocular Administration and Methods for Fabricating Thereof,” the entire contents of each of which being hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of ophthalmology and more specifically to injectable ophthalmological compositions having anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and to methods of preparing such compositions.

BACKGROUND

In ophthalmological treatments and procedures, e.g., cataract surgery, pre- and post-operative eye drops are frequently used by the patients to eliminate or alleviate negative post-surgery complications such as infections, inflammation, and tissue edema. It has been reported that as many as 8% of all ocular surgery patients may suffer from infections, including the potentially catastrophic endophthalmitis, and various negative sight threatening side effects after surgery, such as inflammatory uveitis, corneal edema, and cystoid macular edema. Typically, the topical postoperative medications are prescribed for at-home use starting before and then after cataract surgery, and are typically self-administered, unless requiring a caregiver or family assistance.

These ophthalmic medication drops include anti-inflammatory and antibiotic agents and are highly effective, but require strict adherence to the treatment regimens, which is often difficult for many patients (with physical limitations or aversions to eyelid touching and manipulation) and is frequently expensive (well over $200 per procedure), causing patients' dissatisfaction. It is desirable to have an alternative procedure that would permit avoiding the necessity of the use of such post-surgery medications to save the associated post-operative trouble and expenses.

One such alternative procedure includes the intraoperative intravitreal injection by an atraumatic transzonular route that can achieve patient outcomes that are as good as, or better than, the current at-home eye drop regimen, removing the issues of compliance and medication administration accuracy. This patent specification discloses pharmaceutical compositions suitable for intraoperative ocular injections that can achieve such positive patient outcomes, and methods of fabricating and administering the same.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the invention, ophthalmological pharmaceutical compositions are provided, the compositions comprising a therapeutic component, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that are suitable for intraocular administration such as an injection. Embodiments of the invention further provide that the therapeutic component comprises, consists or consists essentially of various combinations of a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-bacterial agent (i.e., an antibiotic), and/or a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-inflammatory agent (e.g., a corticosteroid) and/or a therapeutically effective quantity of a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

According to further embodiments of the invention, such ophthalmological pharmaceutical compositions comprise a therapeutic component consisting essentially of a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-inflammatory agent independently selected from the group consisting of corticosteroids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates, ethers, esters, acetals and ketals thereof and a therapeutically effective quantity of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug that is free of bromfenac; optionally, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; and optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

According to other embodiments of the invention, ophthalmological compositions are provided that comprise what is described in the immediately preceding paragraph and in addition further comprise a therapeutically effective quantity of a primary anti-bacterial agent such as quinolone, a fluorinated quinolone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates or N-oxides thereof, or alternatively such antibacterial agent as vancomycin or related products described below withy particularity.

According to yet further embodiments, such ophthalmological pharmaceutical compositions comprise a therapeutic component consisting essentially of a therapeutically effective quantity of a primary anti-bacterial agent independently selected from the group consisting of quinolone, a fluorinated quinolone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates or N-oxides thereof and a therapeutically effective quantity of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug that is free of bromfenac; and optionally, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient: and optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

According to further embodiments of the invention, such ophthalmological pharmaceutical compositions comprise

According to another embodiment of the invention, an anti-bacterial agent described herein can be a compound selected from the group of quinolone (including a fluorinated quinolone), e.g., moxifloxacin, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates or N-oxides thereof.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an anti-inflammatory agent described herein can be a corticosteroid, e.g., triamcinolone, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates, ethers, esters, acetals and ketals thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may further include a solubilizing and suspending agent such as non-ionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, e.g., Poloxamer 407®.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be intravitreally transzonularly injected into a mammalian subject as a part of the process of treatment of a variety of ophthalmological diseases, conditions or pathologies associated with intraocular surgery, such as cataracts, retinal and glaucoma disease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Terms and Definitions

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of analytical chemistry, synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry described herein, are those known in the art. Standard chemical symbols are used interchangeably with the full names represented by such symbols. Thus, for example, the terms “hydrogen” and “H” are understood to have identical meaning. Standard techniques may be used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, formulating compositions and testing them. The foregoing techniques and procedures can be generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention claimed. As used herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

As used herein, “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting.

“About” as used herein means that a number referred to as “about” comprises the recited number plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number. For example, “about” 100 degrees can mean 95-105 degrees or as few as 99-101 degrees depending on the context. Whenever it appears herein, a numerical range such as “1 to 20” refers to each integer in the given range; i.e., meaning only 1, only 2, only 3, etc., up to and including only 20.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” is defined as a chemical or a biological compound or substance, or a mixture or combination of two or more such compounds or substances, intended for use in the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease or pathology.

The term “intraocular injection” refers to an injection that is administered by entering the eyeball of the patient.

The term “transzonular” refers to an injection administered through the ciliary zonule which is a series of fibers connecting the ciliary body and lens of the eye.

The term “intravitreal” refers to an injection administered through an eye of the patient, directly into the inner cavity of the eye.

The term “intraoperative” is defined as an action occurring or carried during, or in the course of, surgery.

The term “quinolone” for the purposes of this application refers to a genus of anti-bacterial compounds that are derivatives of benzopyridine and in some embodiments include fluorine atom, such as in the following structure (“fluoroquinoone”):

The term “corticosteroid” is defined as a compound belonging to a sub-genus of steroids that am derivatives of corticosterone, the latter having the chemical structure:

The term “non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug” or “NSAID” refer to substances or compounds that are free of steroid moieties and provide analgesic, antipyretic and/or anti-inflammatory effects.

The terms “anti-bacterial” and “antibiotic” used herein interchangeably, refer to substances or compounds that destroy bacteria and/or inhibit the growth thereof via any mechanism or route.

The term “anti-inflammatory” refers to substances or compounds that counteract or suppress inflammation via any mechanism or route.

The term “salt” refers to an ionic compound which is a product of the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base.

The terms “solvate” and “hydrate” are used herein to indicate that a compound or a substance is physically or chemically associated with a solvent for “solvates” such as water (for “hydrates”).

The term “ether” refers to a chemical compound containing the structure R—O—R₁, where two organic fragments R and R₁ are connected via oxygen.

The term “ester” refers to a chemical compound containing the ester group R—O—C(O)—R₁, connecting two organic fragments R and R₁.

The terms “acetal” and “ketal” refer to a chemical compound containing the functional group R—C(R₁)(OR₂)₂, where R and R₂ are organic fragments and R₁ is hydrogen atom (for acetals), and is inclusive of “hemiacetals” where one R₂ (but not the other) is hydrogen atom; or where none of R, R₁ and R₂ is a hydrogen atom and each is an organic fragment (for ketals).

The term “carrier” refers to a substance that serves as a vehicle for improving the efficiency of delivery and the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical composition.

The term “excipient” refers to a pharmacologically inactive substance that is formulated in combination with the pharmacologically active ingredient of pharmaceutical composition and is inclusive of bulking agents, fillers, diluents and products used for facilitating drug absorption or solubility or for other pharmacokinetic considerations.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” is defined as the amount of the compound or pharmaceutical composition that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought by the researcher, medical doctor or other clinician.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is defined as a carrier, whether diluent or excipient, that is compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The terms “administration of a composition” or “administering a composition” is defined to include an act of providing a compound of the invention or pharmaceutical composition to the subject in need of treatment.

B. Embodiments of the Invention

According to embodiments of the present invention, pharmaceutical compositions intended to prevent and/or treat inflammation and/or infections are provided. The compositions include an active component comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of, any combination of two or three of the following components:

(1) a therapeutically effective quantity of any anti-bacterial agent (i.e., an antibiotic); and/or

(2) a therapeutically effective quantity of any anti-inflammatory agent (e.g., a corticosteroid); and/or

(3) a therapeutically effective quantity of any non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) except for bromfenac which is explicitly excluded as described below.

In some embodiments, the active component of the pharmaceutical compositions comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, all three of the above-mentioned agents, i.e., both an antibiotic, a corticosteroid and an NSAID. In other embodiments, only a corticosteroid and an NSAID are both present in the active component but an antibiotic is absent. In yet other embodiments only an antibiotic and an NSAID are both present in the active component but a corticosteroid is absent.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can be used for intraocular injections or can be administered as eye drops or eye sprays as mentioned below. In other embodiments the pharmaceutical compositions can be used for intra-articular or intra-lesional use as also discussed below. The compositions further include one or several pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s) and one or several pharmaceutically acceptable carrier(s).

According to further embodiments, two kinds of anti-bacterial agents may be used in the active component of pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein, primary anti-bacterial agents and secondary anti-bacterial agents. When the active component of pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein does include anti-bacterial agent(s), either a primary anti-bacterial agent alone may be used (i.e., with no secondary anti-bacterial agent being used) or a secondary anti-bacterial agent alone may be used (i.e., with no primary anti-bacterial agent being used); in some embodiments both primary and secondary anti-bacterial agents may be used in the same compositions, if desired.

The concentration of the primary anti-bacterial agent in the pharmaceutical composition may be between about 0.01 mg/mL and about 50.0 mg/mL, such as between about 0.5 mg/mL and about 10 mg/mL, for example, about 1.0 mg/mL.

If the primary anti-bacterial agent is to be employed in the active component of the composition, such primary agent may be selected from the group of quinolones, including fluoroquinolones, and suitable derivatives of the same, such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates or solvates thereof. In one embodiment, fluoroquinolone that may be so employed is moxifloxacin (chemically, 1-cyclopropyl-7-[(1S,6S)-2,8-diazabicyclo-[4.3.0]non-8-yl]-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-4-oxo-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid), which is available, e.g., under trade name Avelox® from Bayer Healthcare Corp. of Wayne, N.J., and under other trade names from other suppliers such as Alcon Corp. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and has the following chemical structure:

A non-limiting example of a possible alternative fluoroquinolone antibiotic that may be used instead of, or in combination with, moxifloxacin is gatifloxacin.

If the secondary anti-bacterial agent is to be employed in the active component of the composition, such secondary agent may be selected from the group of glycopeptide antibiotic(s), or a combination of some or all of them. One example of such an acceptable additional glycopeptide antibiotic is vancomycin which can be introduced into the pharmaceutical composition at a concentration between about 1 mg/mL and about 100.0 mg/mL, such as between about 5.0 mg/mL and about 50.0 mg/mL, for example, about 10.0 mg/mL. Vancomycin is available under the trade name Vancocin® from Eli Lilly & Co. of Indianapolis, Ind. Other acceptable additional glycopeptide antibiotics that may be used include teicoplanin, telavancin, decaplanin, ramoplanin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin and cefuroxime.

According to further embodiments, the concentration of the corticosteroid-type anti-inflammatory agent in the pharmaceutical composition, if used, may be between about 0.1 mg/mL and about 100.0 mg/mL, such as between about 5.0 mg/mL and about 50.0 mg/mL, for example, about 15.0 mg/mL. Acceptable corticosteroid(s) may be selected from the group of derivatives of corticosterone, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates, ethers, esters, acetals and ketals thereof. For example, a product obtained as a result of a chemically reasonable substitution of any hydrogen and/or hydroxyl group in the molecule of corticosterone may be used. In one embodiment, a corticosteroid that can be so utilized is triamcinolone (chemically, (11β,16α)-9-fluoro-11,16,17,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione) having the following chemical formula:

In another embodiment, a corticosteroid that can be so utilized is triamcinolone acetonide (chemically, (4aS,4bR,5S,6aS,6bS,9aR,10aS,10bS)-4b-fluoro-6b-glycoloyl-5-hydroxy-4a,6a,8,8-tetramethyl-4a,4b,5,6,6a,6b,9a,10,10a,10b,11,12-dodecahydro-2H-naphtho[2′,1′:4,5]indeno[1,2-d][1,3]dioxol-2-one) which is a ketal derivative of triamcinolone available. e.g., under the trade name Kenalog® from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. of Princeton, N.J., and under other trade names from other suppliers, and having the following chemical formula:

Other corticosteroids, or a combination of some or all of them, may be used instead of all or a portion of triamcinolone and/or of all or a portion of triamcinolone acetonide. Some non-limiting examples of such acceptable other corticosteroids include triamcinolone diacetate, triamcinolone benetonide, triamcinolone furetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, betamethasone acetate, dexamethasone, fluorometholone and fluocinolone acetonide, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, corticol, cortisone, fluorocortisone, deoxycorticosterone acetate, aldosterone, budesonide and derivatives, analogs or combinations thereof.

According to further embodiments, the concentration of NSAID(s) in the pharmaceutical composition, if used, may be between about 0.1 mg/mL and about 100.0 mg/mL, such as between about 5.0 mg/mL and about 50.0 mg/mL, for example, about 15.0 mg/mL. If the active component of compositions disclosed herein does includes NSAID(s) as anti-inflammatory agent(s), it is envisioned that the active component should be free of the specific NSAID, bromfenac, but instead be selected from any of ketorolac, etodolac, sulindac, diclofenac, aceclofenac, nepafenac, tolmetin, indomethacin, nabumetone, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, dexibuprofen, fenoprofen, loxoprofen, oxaprozin, naproxen, aspirin, salicylic acid, diflunisal, salsalate, mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, meloxicam, piroxicam, ternoxicam, droxicam, lornoxicam, isoxicam, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, parecoxib, lumiracoxib, etoricoxib, firocoxib, nimesulide, clonixin, licofelone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates, ethers, esters, acetals and ketals thereof or any combination thereof.

As mentioned above, the pharmaceutical composition that is the subject matter of the instant application may further optionally include one or several pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). Those having ordinary skill in the art will be able to select the suitable excipient(s). It is worth mentioning that when moxifloxacin is used in pharmaceutical formulations, it is often difficult to obtain a stable suspension of another product (e.g., a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone acetonide) that is present in the same formulation and that needs to be in a form of a stable suspension. Without being bound by any particular scientific theory, such difficulties in obtaining the stable suspension am believed to be caused by moxifloxacin's tendency to deactivate many suspending agents resulting in unacceptable coagulation, clumping and flocculation. As a result, normal delivery through a typical 27-29 gage cannula is often difficult or even impossible.

Therefore, it is desirable to select an excipient that is stable in the presence of moxifloxacin and can, therefore, be used as a solubilizing and suspending agent to ensure that the corticosteroid such as triamcinolone acetonide safely forms a stable suspension even when moxifloxacin is also present in the same formulation. Numerous attempts by others to produce a stable moxifloxacin/triamcinolone acetonide pharmaceutical composition suitable for intraocular injection have not been successful.

In some embodiments, an excipient that can be used as a solubilizing and stabilizing agent to overcome the above-described difficulties and thus to obtain a stable suspension of the corticosteroid such as triamcinolone acetonide may be a non-ionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having the following general structure:

HO—(CH₂—CH₂—O)_(x)—(C₃H₆—O)_(y)—(CH₂—CH₂—O)_(x)—H,

wherein x is an integer having the value of at least 8 and x is an integer having the value of at least 38.

If a non-ionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer is used as a solubilizing and stabilizing agent in the pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention, its contents in the overall composition may be between about 0.01 mass % and about 10.0 mass % such as between about 1.0 mass % and about 8 mass %, for example, about 5.0 mass %.

One non-limiting example of a specific non-ionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer that can be used as a solubilizing and stabilizing agent in the pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention is the product known under the trade name Poloxamer 407® (poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)) available from Sigma-Aldrich Corp. of St. Louis, Mo., with the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene portion of about 4,000 Daltons, about a 70% polyoxyethylene content, the overall molecular weight of between about 9,840 Daltons and about 14,600 Daltons and having the following chemical structure

wherein each x and z is an integer having the value between about 78 and about 116, and y is an integer having the value of about 69.

Non-limiting examples of some other excipients and carriers that may be used in preparing in the pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention include polysorbate (an emulsifier), edetate calcium disodium (EDTA, a chelating agent), hydrochloric acid (the pH adjuster) and sterile water.

According to further embodiments, methods for fabricating the above-described pharmaceutical compositions are provided. A one-batch formulation method may be used, where the components of the pharmaceutical formulation can be combined in single container; the components may be added to the container simultaneously or consecutively.

In one exemplary, non-limiting procedure, a quantity of an anti-bacterial agent such as moxifloxacin may be placed into a mixing container followed by adding a quantity of sterile water and hydrochloric acid to obtain a slightly acidic mixture (e.g., having pH of about 6.5) which is stirred until a clear solution is obtained. In case of moxifloxacin/HCl system, the solution is stable, allowing the formulation to remain closed system thus preventing contamination and the loss of sterility.

Next, a quantity of corticosteroid such as micronized triamcinolone acetonide, a quantity of Poloxamer 407®, a quantity of edetate calcium disodium and a quantity of polysorbate 80 may be all added to be combined in the same container with the already prepared moxifloxacin/HCl solution and stirred together (e.g., by spinning) for a period of time, e.g., about 6 hours, until a homogenous suspension has been obtained. The resulting suspension may then be transferred into single dose vials, capped, sealed, autoclaved and shaken until cool. Finally, a complete testing for sterility and the presence of endotoxin may be performed on the product according to commonly used methods known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Pharmaceutical compositions prepared as described above can be used to prevent complications that may arise after ophthalmic surgical operations and procedure. For example, the formulations can be used during any intraocular surgery, such as cataract surgery, planned vitrectomy or glaucoma procedures, to prevent or at least substantially reduce the risk of post-surgery complications, such as the development of endophthalmitis or cystoid macular edema (CME), without having the patient use pre- or post-operative topical ophthalmic drops. Individuals with evidence of endophthalmitis from prior surgical procedures or traumatic ocular penetration will benefit from concurrent injection of these formulations to sterilize infection and reduce damaging inflammation.

Pharmaceutical formulations described herein can be delivered via intraocular intravitreal injection which can be transzonular, or, if desired not transzonular. Intraocular intravitreal injection of this formulation, whether done via transzonular or via direct pars plana (trans-scleral) injection, delivers potent broad spectrum antibiotics directly into the suppurative tissue without requiring the urgent compounding of multiple individual medications or multiple individual injections into the eye.

Typically, a pharmaceutical composition described above will be intraocularly administered to a mammalian subject (e.g., humans, cats, dogs, other pets, domestic, wild or farm animals) in need of emergent, urgent or planned ophthalmic surgery treatment. The effect achieved by such use of pharmaceutical composition described above may last up to four weeks. The composition is to be injected intravitreally and trans-zonularly using methods and techniques known to those having ordinary skilled in the art of ophthalmology. In some embodiments, the injection can be intraoperative.

Typically, the delivery through a typical 27 gauge cannula can be employed utilizing a 1 mL TB syringe, with attention to re-suspending the formulation using momentary flicks and shake just prior to injection. The medicinal volume (i.e., dosage) required of this formulation varies based on the type of intraocular procedure, the degree of postoperative inflammation induced or anticipated, the risk assessment for postoperative infection, and anatomic considerations regarding the available volume for the injection being added to a closed intraocular space.

It is worth mentioning that while intracameral (that is, anterior chamber) injections are within the scope of the instant invention such injections instead of posterior chamber (intravitreal) injection may not be satisfactory in some cases, as the suspension clogs the trabecular meshwork and aggravates intraocular drainage, resulting in an intraocular pressure rise postoperative. This is avoided with intravitreal injection, in addition to retaining the formulation components into the protein matrix of the vitreous of a greater duration. Anterior chamber wash out occurs over hours (antibiotic in solution) and days (steroid in suspension), while intravitreal injection is retained for weeks.

In alternative embodiments, if desired or necessary the formulations may also be delivered in the form of eye drops or eye sprays, as well as via subconjunctival injection, intraocular intracameral injection, sub-tenon injection, intra-articular injection or intra-lesional injection, particularly, in, but not limited to, some cases when necessary to deliver additional medication when local ocular inflammation and extra-ocular infection need suppression. Intravitreal delivery of steroid has historically been used to treat clinically significant cystoid macular edema (CME); the application of this formulation into the vitreous during routine intraocular procedures brings more aggressive prophylaxis against CME occurrence. Additionally, the suspension of this formulation is useful for staining vitreous during planned and unplanned vitrectomies, improving visualization of this otherwise transparent intraocular tissue, improving vitrectomy outcomes and reducing complications resulting from inadequate or tractional vitreous removal. In still further embodiments, there is also envisioned intra-canalicular delivery. i.e., delivery via a lacrimal canaliculus implant.

In some further alternative embodiments, instead of delivering the above-described compositions comprising both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, consecutive injections may be used instead, if desired. For example, triamcinolone may be injected first, immediately followed by the injection of moxifloxacin or vice versa.

It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, gender, diet, and the severity of the particular ophthalmological condition being treated.

In additional embodiments, pharmaceutical kits are provided. The kit includes a sealed container approved for the storage of pharmaceutical compositions, the container containing one of the above-described pharmaceutical compositions. An instruction for the use of the composition and the information about the composition are to be included in the kit.

The following examples are provided to further elucidate the advantages and features of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The examples are for the illustrative purposes only. USP pharmaceutical grade products were used in preparing the formulations described below.

C. EXAMPLES Example 1. Preparing a Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Triamcinolone and Moxifloxacin

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described below. The following products were used in the amounts and concentrations specified:

(a) about 1.5 g of aqueous solution of triamcinolone acetonide, at a concentration of about 15.0 mg/mL;

(b) about 0.1 g of aqueous solution of moxifloxacin hydrochloride, at a concentration of about 1.0 mg/mL;

(c) about 1 mL of aqueous solution of Polysorbate 80®, at a concentration of about 1.0 mass %;

(d) about 0.2 g of aqueous solution of edetate calcium disodium, at a concentration of about 0.2 mass %;

(e) about 1 g of aqueous solution of Poloxamer 407®, at a concentration of about 1.0 mass %;

(f) 20% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, to adjust pH to about 6.5; and

(g) about 100.0 mL of sterile water for injection.

Moxifloxacin hydrochloride was placed into a de-pyrogenated beaker with a spin bar. Sterile water for injection was added to about ⅓ of the volume of the beaker. While spinning, moxifloxacin was dissolved by adding hydrochloric acid until a clear solution having the final pH of about 6.5 was obtained.

The solution was combined with micronized triamcinolone acetonide, Poloxamer 407®, edetate calcium disodium and Polysorbate 80 and allowed to spin for about 6 hours until a hydrated and homogenous suspension was obtained.

The suspension was transferred into de-pyrogenated, single dose vials (2 mL size), capped and sealed, followed by autoclaving and shaking the vials until cool. Complete sterility and endotoxin testing was performed by an outside laboratory to ensure safety.

The formulation prepared as described above was tested for stability after 6 months of storage. After this period of storage no loss of potency was observed (as measured by HPLC); the formulation was visually stable at room temperature and readily re-suspended with gentle shaking with no increase of particle size or flocculation.

Example 2. Preparing a Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Triamcinolone, Moxifloxacin and Vancomycin

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described in Example 1, supra. The composition was autoclaved and sonicated for about 60 minutes and about 96 mL of the composition were combined with about 4 mL of vancomycin at a concentration of about 250 mg/mL. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to about 6.0-6.5 using hydrochloric acid. The product was then transferred into vials (at about 1 mL plus 5 drops per vial) and frozen. The product has kept its stability and potency for at least six months.

Example 3. Using a Pharmaceutical Composition of Example 1

A pharmaceutical composition fabricated as described in Example 1, supra, was administered to about 1,600 patients. To each, it was introduced using intravitreal transzonular injection. The injection was intraoperative. Only a very few patients, at the rate of about only 1 in 4,000, have developed any infection or suffered from other side effects that required further treatment, which is a substantial improvement over a typical rate of about 8% for the patients that did not receive the injection.

Example 4. Preparing a Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Prednisolone, Moxifloxacin and Ketorolac

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described below. In this Example, the composition included an NSAID (ketorolac). The following products were used in the amounts and concentrations specified:

-   -   (a) about 10.0 g of aqueous solution of prednisolone acetate, at         a concentration of about 10.0 mg/mL;     -   (b) about 10.0 mL of aqueous solution of Polysorbate 80®, at a         concentration of about 10.0 mg/mL;     -   (c) about 4.0 g of aqueous solution of boric acid, at a         concentration of about 4.0 mg/mL;     -   (d) about 14.0 g of aqueous solution of Poloxamer 407®, at a         concentration of about 14.0 mg/mL;     -   (e) about 5.0 g of aqueous solution of moxifloxacin         hydrochloride, at a concentration of about 5.0 mg/mL;     -   (f) about 5.0 g of aqueous solution of ketarolac tromethamine,         at a concentration of about 5.0 mg/mL;     -   (g) 20% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, to adjust pH to         about 6.5; and     -   (h) about 1,000.0 mL of sterile water for injection.

Moxifloxacin hydrochloride was placed into a de-pyrogenated beaker with a spin bar. Sterile water for injection was added to about ⅓ of the volume of the beaker. While spinning, moxifloxacin was dissolved by adding the solution of hydrochloric acid until a clear solution having the final pH of about 6.0 was obtained. The other components (b) through (f) listed above were then added followed by homogenization for about 1 hour and by adjusting the pH to about 6.5 by using hydrochloric acid and water. In this manner a hydrated and homogenous suspension was obtained.

The suspension was transferred into de-pyrogenated vials (100 mL size), capped, autoclaved, shaken and sonicated for about 60 minutes. The product was then transferred into 3 mL droppers which were capped, sealed and labeled. Complete sterility and endotoxin testing was performed by an outside laboratory to ensure safety.

Example 5. Preparing a Pharmaceutical Composition Containing Prednisolone and Ketorolac

A pharmaceutical composition was prepared as described below. In this Example, the composition included an NSAID (ketorolac) but was free of any anti-bacterial agent(s) that was (were) present in compositions of Examples 1, 2 and 4, supra. The following products were used in the amounts and concentrations specified:

-   -   (a) about 4.0 g of aqueous solution of prednisolone acetate, at         a concentration of about 10.0 mg/mL;     -   (b) about 4.0 mL of aqueous solution of Polysorbate 80®, at a         concentration of about 10.0 mg/mL;     -   (c) about 1.6 g of aqueous solution of boric acid, at a         concentration of about 4.0 mg/mL;     -   (d) about 5.6 g of aqueous solution of Poloxamer 407®, at a         concentration of about 14.0 mg/mL;     -   (e) about 2.0 g of aqueous solution of ketarolac tromethamine,         at a concentration of about 5.0 mg/mL;     -   (f) 20% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, to adjust pH to         about 6.5; and     -   (g) about 400.0 mL of sterile water for injection.

Ketorolac was dissolved in about ¾ quantity of water (i.e., about 300 mL of water), while the solution of hydrochloric acid was added until a clear solution having the final pH of about 6.0 was obtained. The volume was then brought to just below the Q.S. line by adding more water. The other components (b) through (f) listed above were then added followed by homogenization for about 1 hour and by adjusting the pH to about 6.5 by using hydrochloric acid and water. In this manner a hydrated and homogenous suspension was obtained.

The suspension was transferred into de-pyrogenated vials (100 mL size), capped, autoclaved, shaken and sonicated for about 60 minutes. The product was then transferred into 3 mL droppers which were capped, sealed and labeled. Complete sterility and endotoxin testing was performed by an outside laboratory to ensure safety.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A method for treating an ophthalmological disease, condition or pathology in a mammalian subject in need of such treatment comprising delivering to the subject by a method selected from the group consisting of intravitreal injection, intraocular intracameral injection, intra-lesional injection, subconjunctival injection, or sub-tenon injection, an effective amount of a composition comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective quantity of a micronized corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agent; (b) a therapeutically effective quantity of an anti-bacterial agent; (c) a non-ionic polyoxyethlene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, wherein the concentration of the non-ionic polyoxyethlene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer is between 0.1 mass % and 4.0 mass % of the pharmaceutical composition; (d) a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); and (e) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said anti-bacterial agent is selected from the group consisting of quinolone, a fluorinated quinolone and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates or N-oxides thereof.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said anti-bacterial agent is moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agent is selected from the group consisting of triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone diacetate, triamcinolone benetonide, triamcinolone furetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, betamethasone acetate, dexamethasone, fluorometholone, fluocinolone acetonide, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, corticol, cortisone, fluorocortisone, deoxycorticosterone acetate, aldosterone, budesonide and derivatives, analogs or a combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agent is selected from the group consisting of triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone diacetate, triamcinolone benetonide, triamcinolone furetonide, triamcinolone hexacetonide, betamethasone acetate, dexamethasone, fluorometholone, fluocinolone acetonide and a combination thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agent is triamcinolone or a derivative thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises a therapeutically effective quantity of a glycopeptide antibiotic selected from the group consisting of vancomycin, teicoplanin, telavancin, decaplanin, ramoplanin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, cefuroxime, polymyxin B sulfate, trimethoprim, and a combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said antibiotic is vancomycin
 9. (canceled)
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said NSAID is selected from the group consisting of ketorolac, etodolac, sulindac, diclofenac, aceclofenac, nepafenac, tolmetin, indomethacin, nabumetone, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, dexibuprofen, fenoprofen, loxoprofen, oxaprozin, naproxen, aspirin, salicylic acid, diflunisal, salsalate, mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, meloxicam, piroxicam, ternoxicam, droxicam, lornoxicam, isoxicam, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, parecoxib, lumiracoxib, etoricoxib, firocoxib, nimesulide, clonixin, licofelone, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates, ethers, esters, acetals and ketals thereof and a combination thereof.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said non-ionic polyoxyethlene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer is poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol).
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer has a molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene portion of about 4,000 Daltons and about a 70% polyoxyethylene content, with an overall molecular weight of between about 9,840 Daltons and about 14,600 Daltons.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of sterile water, a sterile water solution of edetate calcium disodium, a sterile water solution of hydrochloric acid, and combinations thereof.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivering step comprises transzonular injection.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivering step comprises intraocular injection.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivering step comprises intravitreal transzonular injection.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the intravitreal transzonular injection is intraoperative. 